Job Description

Competition # : 47834
Department: Cyber Security & Digital Solutions
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 25-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
At , we prioritize people-both within our team and in the communities we serve. Our mission is to redefine how Nova Scotians engage with government by creating accessible, reliable digital solutions centered around user needs.
In today's tech-driven world, CSDS empowers government departments with essential digital solutions to meet Nova Scotians' expectations. As a trusted partner across government, we enable departments to fulfill their mandates with secure, user-friendly services. From healthcare and education to public safety, we collaborate to transform how services are designed and delivered.
We don't just implement technology; we modernize outdated systems and reimagine processes. Our agile, data-driven approach ensures that digital services are both efficient and adaptable to Nova Scotia's evolving needs.
Joining CSDS means contributing to work that makes a real difference. From providing vital tech support to healthcare professionals to strengthening cybersecurity and developing scalable digital platforms, you'll play a key role in building a more inclusive, responsive government for Nova Scotians.
Together, we're setting new standards for digital public service, delivering resilient solutions that meet today's needs-and anticipate tomorrow's challenges.
About Our Opportunity
As the Manager, Cyber and Risk, you will play a key leadership role in shaping how cybersecurity risk is understood and managed across digital initiatives across government.
You will lead a team focused on assessing cyber risk and embedding cyber security risk management throughout the technology delivery lifecycle.
In this role, you'll promote a risk-aware, secure-by-design culture and build strong, collaborative relationships with business owners, delivery teams, and partners across government, healthcare, and education.
You'll contribute to the development of cybersecurity frameworks and standards, and support stakeholders in making informed, risk-based decisions. Your work will have a direct and meaningful impact, helping ensure the delivery of secure, resilient, and trusted digital services that Nova Scotians rely on every day.
Primary Accountabilities
As the Manager, Cyber and Risk, you will be responsible for:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the cyber and risk team.
• Collaborate with delivery teams and partners to determine the required cyber security risk assessments and provide guidance on scope and expectations.
• Oversee the execution of cyber security risk assessments for systems, applications, services, vendors, AI and cloud platforms.
• Ensure security risk assessments consistently identify risks, evaluate control effectiveness, and provide well-reasoned recommendations.
• Support the procurement of technology products and services by identifying cyber security requirements for RFPs, participating in response evaluation, and advising on contractual security terms.
• Ensure risk treatment plans are properly reported and recorded.
• Establish, refine, and promote cyber security standards, processes, and assurance frameworks.
• Facilitate workshops and discussions with non-technical audiences to explain security risks, trade-offs, and expectations in clear, practical terms.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with CSDS colleagues and partners.
• Support the creation of a risk aware culture and foster secure-by-design thinking throughout the organization.
• Evolve and adapt risk assessment processes and procedures to keep up-to-date with the changing cyber security landscape.

Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this opportunity, you hold experience and/or expertise in the following areas:

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Science or related technical degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in cyber security, IT governance, technology risk management, including direct people management experience.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST CSF / 800-53, ISO/IEC 27001, CIS Controls, SOC 2) and the ability to apply them pragmatically.
• Experience integrating cyber security and risk considerations into system or solution design, including Agile and DevSecOps delivery environments.
• Experience managing formal risk documentation and reporting processes (e.g., risk tracking, decision logs, dashboards).
• Experience managing formal risk documentation and reporting processes.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing professional staff.
• Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and lead change with multi-disciplinary teams in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with executives, technical teams, and business stakeholders, translating complex security risks into clear business impacts.

In addition, you have the following experience and skills:

• Experience in large public sector, regulated, or critical infrastructure environments.
• Demonstrated experience influencing senior leaders and driving organization-wide change.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
Benefits
The Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: .
Working Conditions
While this position is based in Halifax, travel throughout the province may be required periodically. You will be required to work in an office environment during normal business hours (08:00-16:30) and support a 24/7 critical service and environment.
What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.

Pay Grade: EC 12
Salary Range: $3,852.18 - $4,815.22 Bi-Weekly
The salary rates include an economic adjustment that has been approved. These rates are effective April 1, 2025. Implementation in our HR system will occur on March 5, 2026. Until then, the current rates will apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the applicable policies.
Employment Equity Statement:
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Accommodation Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Skills Required